Edward Hugh Atkinson

Edward Hugh Atkinson, 72, of Gosnell, passed from this life Monday, June 6, 2022, at his home with many of his family present. Edward was born in Blytheville in the Promised Land community to James and Ruth Jones Atkinson, one of 11 children. Edward was of the Pentecostal faith, having been a member of Gospel Lighthouse Church where he served on the Deacon Board. Edward retired from Delta Auto Parts where he rebuilt all types of automotive and farm equipment motors. Edward was a very talented individual who could rebuild just about any engine brought to him. Edward was a very dedicated worker who could always be depended upon to provide the service that customers expected. When it came to his personal life, Edward was just as dedicated to his family and friends as he was to his career. Edward was an individual who was always there when you needed him. He was honest, humorous, quiet, resilient and steadfast.

As a father he taught his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the importance of living a life by example instead of by what he said. As a husband, he was faithful, loving, trusting, caring, selfless and protective. Edward and Glenda were blessed with 54 years of a dedicated and loving marriage.

To his grandchildren he was “Pops”. He loved the special times he was able to spend with them. It didn’t matter what it was as long as they were together.

Edward loved the outdoors, especially fishing and maintaining his yard. No one else was able to do his yard the way he took care of it. Edward also enjoyed Nascar racing, the beach, wrestling, MMA fighting and playing Canasta card games.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Glenda Atkinson Smith; and brothers, Terry Mac Atkinson and Billy Wayne Atkinson.

Edward is survived by his wife, Glenda Jiles Atkinson of the home; children, Melinda Atkinson Nichols of Gosnell, Daniel and Christie Atkinson of Blytheville; grandchildren, Matt and Emili Spillman of Blytheville, Amber and Chris Brown of Jonesboro, Tyler Spillman and wife Kelsey Harris of Blytheville, Dakota and Kendle Atkinson of Las Vegas, Nev., Dallas and Chelsea Atkinson of Blytheville, Elijah Atkinson of Blytheville, Bryttanee and Bret Tucker of Blytheville, Taylor Davis and Shane Waters of Lake City; great-grandchildren, Adlee Brown, Carver Brown, Avalynn Spillman and West Waters; brothers, Jerry Atkinson of Steele, Mo., Larry Atkinson of Fort Worth, Texas, Ronald and Peggy Atkinson of Vernon, Ala., Alvin and Jayne Atkinson of Osceola; sisters, Debra Atkinson of Blytheville, Norma and Walter Hinton of Mechanicsville, Vir., and Annette “Tressia” and Rick Tucker of Blytheville; brother-in-law, Richard Smith of Columbia, Tenn.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the Methodist Hospital ICU staff in Memphis for the tender, special care he received while there.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 9, at 2:30 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Billy Holifield officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., also at Cobb Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the St. Jude Hospital or the charity of choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.